School Safety (Resolution)
WHEREAS, since the 1999 Columbine High massacre, over 300 school shootings have been reported resulting in more than 180 children, educators, and other people murdered and more than 300 injured; and
WHEREAS, on May 24, 2022, a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas took the lives of 19 students and 2 educators; and
WHEREAS, the shockwaves of this horrific act of violence were not limited to the Great State of Texas; the people of the entire United States mourn the 21 innocent lives lost in this unimaginable yet palpably real tragedy; and
WHEREAS, one of the primary roles of government is stewardship over the future of our society and our nation, which is represented by our nation’s youth; as such, it is incumbent upon those in public office to provide adequate resources for the protection of our future; and
WHEREAS, one of the most critical challenges facing future generations is the rising mental health crisis in our nation and around the world, and its contributing effect to the current escalation of violence; and
WHEREAS, in light of these recent incidents of violence, school safety and security are now especially at the forefront of our nation’s concerns; and
WHEREAS, state legislatures are more responsive to the needs of their constituents and are more aware of the need for increased school safety for children and educators in their state, as well as the increasing demand for mental health services and support; therefore, state legislatures are aware of the best methods to achieve these dual goals within their unique areas; and
WHEREAS, therefore, this body finds it fitting and proper that state legislatures be equipped with any and all resources necessary to address the dual crises of school security and mental health;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Conference of State Legislatures supports federal action resulting in the issuance of federal funding and resources to support school security and the safeguarding of student mental health; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the National Conference of State Legislatures firmly believes that the best structure for this endeavor is a collaborative approach between the federal government and the states, consisting of federal funding and other means of support which are flexible enough to allow state legislatures to directly leverage these resources where they are most direly needed; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that when emergencies warrant the swift provision of federal funding and resources to support school security and student mental health, that such funds are distributed through existing programs or provided through flexible block grants to states; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the National Conference of State Legislatures believes that the federal government should not mandate or incentivize specific strategies or approaches to school security and student mental health; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the National Conference of State Legislatures directs that a copy of this resolution be delivered to Members of Congress and the U.S. Department of Education.